Three Star Heritage Pubs
Gloucestershire, RED LION, Ampney St Peter. We bring you the fantastic news that the Red Lion has reopened. This classic rural time warp has been closed since the death of landlord John Barnard back in 2014 - and has been under serious threat ever since, surviving two applications for change of use. We reported in March last year the welcome, but rather unexpected news that an application for a new licence had been made. Currently it’s open in the evenings from Thursday to Saturday, 5.30-10.30pm. The new licensee, Basia Kondratowicz, is getting to grips with running it and is concerned about hordes of customers descending. So if you do visit, please be patient, and best to avoid going in large groups for time being. Reports indicate that thankfully no changes have been made to its precious interior. Thanks to Rob Tough and Patrick Mills from Gloucestershire CAMRA for this wonderful news. |
Greater London East, DOLPHIN, Hackney. Good news that the Dolphin has reopened after being shut for two years. It closed after its licence was suspended in 2021. It was well known as a party pub and previously opened until 4am on the weekend. The hours are now restricted to 12.30am. Will Johnson visited and reports that the interior seems unchanged, but disappointingly still no real ale on offer. See: Evening Standard. |
East Yorkshire, STATION BUFFET, Bridlington. We reported in March this year on the application to refurbish this very rare establishment. Following concerns about the size of two intrusive new openings into the former First Class Refreshment Room, raised by both the local conservation officer and ourselves, a revised application has been submitted by Brass Castle Brewery. Whilst the proposed width of the openings has been reduced somewhat, it is not as much as had been hoped for, and our suggestion of installing actual doors, to better conserve the historic integrity of the old room, has not been taken up. Dave Gamston has formally commented on the revised application for Pub Heritage Group, commending the quality and intent of the overall scheme whilst voicing these continued concerns. We are hopeful a resolution can be reached quickly, and this precious survival, which has now been closed since 2019, will reopen soon. |
Greater London West, FORESTER, West Ealing. The Forester, built in 1909 and one of the finest Edwardian pubs in England, designed by T.H. Nowell Parr (who was also responsible for the Angel, Hayes), closed on 18th June. The pub is owned by Fullers and, whilst previously tenanted, the plan is now to reopen it as a Fuller’s managed house. |
Very good to see a number of our Three Star Heritage Pubs recognised in the CAMRA branch awards this year:
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